Patricia Southall: The American Spokesperson with a Story You’ll Never Forget

Have you ever heard of Patricia Southall? You might know her as the former wife of comedian Martin Lawrence or football star Emmitt Smith. But there’s so much more to her story. She’s a woman of beauty, faith, strength — and someone who turned pain into purpose.

In this article, we’ll explore the life of Patricia Southall, the American spokesperson who has inspired many people around the world. From beauty pageants to acting, and from heartbreak to healing, her journey is full of real-life lessons. Let’s take a closer look at where it all began.

Patricia Southall Quick Bio

Patricia Southall’s Early Life and Family

Patricia Southall was born on December 17, 1970, in Chesapeake, Virginia. She grew up in a loving and caring home. Her parents, Henry and Mildred Southall, taught her the importance of faith, hard work, and helping others.

Patricia has a twin sister named Pam, and the two were very close growing up. Later in life, Pam would face a serious health battle with stage 4 colon cancer, but always kept a hopeful spirit.

As a child, Patricia loved speaking, helping others, and dreaming big. These small things would later shape her career and purpose. She finished high school and went to James Madison University, where she studied journalism.

Becoming Miss Virginia USA

In 1993, Patricia entered the Miss Virginia USA pageant — and won. This was a big deal, not just because she was beautiful, but because she became the first African-American woman to win that title.

The next year, she competed in Miss USA 1994 and became the first runner-up. She didn’t win the crown, but she won hearts across the country. Her smile, kindness, and confidence made her stand out.

At the same time, something very sad happened — her mother passed away from cancer. Patricia had to stay strong while preparing for the big pageant, and that loss changed her forever. It also gave her the passion to help other women later in life.

The Start of Patricia Southall’s Career

Before the spotlight, Patricia was already working hard. After college, she worked in a media office, where she met Martin Lawrence, the famous comedian. That meeting would change her life.

Thanks to her pageant success, Patricia also began receiving offers to work in TV and public speaking. Her beauty and strong voice made her a natural fit. She didn’t just want to be seen — she wanted to be heard and to help others.

Even though fame was coming her way, Patricia stayed focused. She used each opportunity to grow and to make a real difference.

Patricia Southall’s Marriage to Martin Lawrence

Patricia and Martin started dating in the early 1990s. They got married in 1995, and a year later, they had a daughter named Jasmine Page Lawrence. At first, everything seemed perfect.

But behind closed doors, things were not going well. Patricia later said that Martin had problems with drinking and substance use, and she felt unsafe. In 1997, just two years after their wedding, she made the brave decision to leave.

She said that night she left with just one suitcase. She didn’t plan to get divorced right away — she just knew something had to change. Patricia shared that she heard God’s voice and followed her heart, even though she was scared and far from family.

Becoming an American Spokesperson

After the divorce, Patricia didn’t give up. She decided to use her voice for something bigger. Over the years, she became a trusted American spokesperson — someone who speaks to inspire, guide, and give hope.

She appeared on shows like The 700 Club, Dr. Phil, and Good Morning America. She spoke about healing, forgiveness, and faith, sharing her real-life experiences so others could feel less alone.

Patricia reminded people that life isn’t always perfect, but you can always rise again. Her words helped many women, especially those going through heartbreak or tough times.

Her Second Marriage to Emmitt Smith

In the late 1990s, Patricia met Emmitt Smith, a famous NFL running back known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys. The two fell in love and got married on April 22, 2000.

Together, they had three children: Emmitt IV, Skylar, and Elijah. They also had children from previous relationships, and together they formed a blended family.

For 20 years, Patricia and Emmitt seemed like the perfect team. But in 2020, they shocked fans by announcing their separation. Though no longer together romantically, they both agreed to keep their children and family as the top priority.

Life as a Wife and Mom

During her marriage to Emmitt, Patricia chose to step back from her own dreams for a while. She supported her husband’s football career and focused on raising their children.

But deep inside, Patricia started to feel like she was losing herself. In her own words, she said:

“I just felt like I had lost myself, and I didn’t know who I was anymore.”

She loved her family deeply, but she also realized she had to take care of her own heart too. That moment was the start of her comeback — not just as a mom or wife, but as her own person.

Patricia Southall’s Acting and Hosting Career

Even though she spent many years focusing on her family, Patricia Southall never gave up on her personal dreams. After her children were older, she started working on her dream of being on TV again.

She took acting classes and started getting small roles. Patricia appeared on shows like “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “The Wayans Brothers.” She also got to be a guest host on “Access Hollywood.” She wanted to one day have her own talk show — a place where real women could have real conversations.

Through her work in TV, Patricia showed that she had more to offer than just beauty. She had a message, a heart for people, and a natural gift for connecting with others. These roles helped her build even more confidence in her own voice.

Starting Treasure You

After everything she had been through — success, loss, divorce, and healing — Patricia Southall wanted to help other women find their way too. That’s why she created a non-profit group called Treasure You.

Treasure You is for women who are going through hard times — financially, emotionally, or spiritually. Patricia started it because she understood what it felt like to be lost, to feel broken, and to need someone to believe in you again.

Through this group, Patricia leads retreats, speaks at events, and helps women get the support they need. She believes that every woman is a treasure, even if she doesn’t feel like one yet. That’s the heart of her mission.

Patricia Southall’s Book

In 2016, Patricia wrote a book called “Second Chances.” It’s her personal story — but also a message of hope for anyone who feels like life didn’t go as planned.

The book talks about her two marriages, her struggles with self-worth, and how she finally learned to forgive herself and others. She shared how hearing God’s voice gave her the strength to walk away when she needed to, and how faith helped her move forward.

In an interview on Good Morning America, she said:

“You have to forgive yourself… that’s where the power to move forward begins.”

Second Chances became more than just a book — it became a lifeline for many women who saw themselves in her story.

Patricia Southall Today

In 2026, Patricia Southall is still living a life full of purpose. She continues to be an American spokesperson, a loving mom, a faith-filled woman, and a role model.

She runs Pat Smith Enterprises, speaks at events, and supports women through Treasure You. She also stays close with her family — including Emmitt Smith, even after their separation. They still attend big moments together, like their daughter’s graduation.

Patricia shares updates on her life through Instagram (@patsmithty), where she posts about faith, family, and encouragement. Her followers love her real and honest posts.

Final Thoughts

There are many celebrities in the world, but Patricia Southall stands out because she never let fame change her heart. She went through hard marriages, deep loss, and personal struggles — and still came out stronger.

She didn’t hide her pain. Instead, she used it to build something beautiful — a voice, a mission, and a way to help others. As an American spokesperson, she shares a message that many people need to hear: You’re not alone, and your life isn’t over. You can start again.

Her story is not just about beauty or success. It’s about being real, staying strong, and choosing to heal. That’s why people will never forget the story of Patricia Southall.

(FAQs)

How old is Patricia Southall and when is her birthday?

Patricia Southall was born on December 17, 1970. She is 55 years old in 2026.

Does Patricia Southall have a twin sister?

Yes, she has a twin sister named Pam. Pam was very sick with stage 4 cancer, but she keeps fighting with hope.

How many kids does Patricia Southall have?

Patricia has four children. One with Martin Lawrence, and three with Emmitt Smith.

What is Patricia Southall’s net worth in 2026?

She has about $1 million. She earned it from pageants, TV, her book, and her group for helping women.

Where does Patricia Southall live now and what is she doing?

She lives in Texas and works as a speaker and helper for women. She shares her story to give others hope.

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